Pakistan’s military says raids killed 74 fighters

Pakistan’s military said on 13 November that its forces had killed 74 fighters in separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Its account covers multiple raids, not a single attack.

The raids took place in provinces where different armed groups operate. In Balochistan, the Balochistan Liberation Army is fighting for the region’s independence from Pakistan; in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pakistani Taliban and other armed groups are based.

Where the operations took place

The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, gave the following breakdown:

The military said forces engaged multiple hideouts in Balochistan and exchanged intense fire with fighters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, dealing what it called a significant blow to the networks operating in those areas. It said weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered in both provinces, including homemade explosives and improvised explosive devices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The military claimed the seizures there prevented the materials from being used in attacks.

Who the military says it targeted

The military said the Balochistan operation targeted groups it calls Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, which it accused of having Indian backing. Pakistan uses the first term for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, also known as the Pakistani Taliban or TTP, and the second for Balochistan-based armed groups. The military did not identify the Balochistan Liberation Army as a target of these raids.

The military also identified those killed in Mir Ali as members of what it calls Fitna al-Khawarij, which it alleged was Indian-sponsored, and described those killed in Orakzai as Khawarij. Pakistan accuses India and Afghanistan of backing armed groups; New Delhi and Kabul deny involvement.

Al Jazeera said the TTP is separate from but allied with the Afghan Taliban, which took power in 2021. Pakistani authorities believe the TTP operates from Afghan territory and is responsible for increased attacks in Pakistan. The dispute has strained relations between the neighbors and led to armed confrontations that caused civilian deaths.

The military said searches for remaining fighters continued in the operation areas in both provinces. President Asif Ali Zardari called for operations to continue against elements he described as externally sponsored and seeking to undermine Pakistan’s security.